ADC Stakeholders Sack Bauchi Chairman, Interim Chairman Vows Party Discipline Ahead of 2027

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bauchi State has removed its State Chairman, Mallam Hassan Haruna, over alleged anti-party activities and factionalisation of the party.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi, the Acting Chairman, Alhaji Mahmood Hassan Tabla, said the decision followed due process in line with the ADC Constitution and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

Tabla explained that chairmen of the party across the 20 Local Government Areas constituted a Disciplinary Committee which queried the former chairman for alleged anti-party activities, including the recognition of parallel party executives at ward and local government levels, contrary to Article 15(A) of the ADC Constitution.

According to him, Mallam Hassan Haruna failed to respond to the query, prompting the committee to recommend his suspension, which was approved by the Local Government chairmen under Articles 14(B) and 15(B).

He was also informed of his right to appeal within 14 days, as provided by Article 15(D).
“Instead of appealing or defending himself, the suspended chairman issued a press statement on 18 January 2026 and announced a new set of local government chairmen on 19 January 2026,” Tabla said.

He noted that the date coincided with a stakeholders’ visit to Atiku Abubakar and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, in Abuja.

After the expiration of the appeal period, the ward and local government executives issued Circular No. BA/01/003/2026, formally removing Mallam Hassan Haruna and directing Tabla, his deputy, to assume office as Acting Chairman.

He further disclosed that the Bauchi State High Court, in Suit No. BA/38/2026, issued an interim injunction on 4 February 2026, restraining the former chairman and others from parading themselves as ADC executives, with the case adjourned to 19 February 2026.

Tabla announced that he formally assumed office as Acting State Chairman with effect from 10 February 2026, pending the resolution of the court case or the conduct of a valid state congress.

He pledged to work closely with the ADC National Leadership, elders, stakeholders, and members to reposition the party for success in the 2027 general elections, adding that the party has commenced plans for membership expansion following approval from the national headquarters.

“The task ahead is big, and no individual is bigger than the ADC Constitution,” he said, calling for unity, cooperation, and peaceful participation in party affairs.